Page 28 of Protected By Him

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

Leo chuckled. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please."

"I was about to make breakfast. How do you like your eggs?" Leo asked.

"I take them however they’re prepared. But I think I'm in the mood for scrambled."

"Scrambled it is!" Leo pronounced playfully as he held a spatula in the air.

I couldn't help but stare at him as he made me breakfast. The only thing that would have made this any better would have been for him to be wearing only an apron.

As Leo prepared our breakfast, I couldn’t help but recall our conversation with Rob the day before. It rankled that I couldn’t help further. I was an investigative reporter, and this could be the biggest story of my career. I had to do something. I thought about the list of people Rob had. Only one person refused to speak to the FBI. Would he refuse to talk to me, too?

“I know that look,” Leo said, breaking through my thoughts. “Nothing good ever comes of that look. What are you thinking?”

“Greg Holston,” I said, knowing Leo would understand, and if the groan he let out was any indication, he did.

“You won’t leave this alone, will you?” he asked.

“Nope. You know better than that. I want to talk to him.”

“Of course, you do. Well, I know you well enough to know that I won’t be able to dissuade you, but I will insist on going with you. You’ve already looked him up, haven’t you?”

I smiled at him. He really did know me better than anyone, perhaps even better than Brandon. “A little bit before dinner last night,” I replied. “He took a position in Andover. He’s their new chief of police.”

Leo’s expression turned thoughtful. “Interesting that he’d stay in law enforcement and still refuse to help the FBI.”

“I thought so too,” I said. “I plan to ask him about that when we see him this afternoon.”

Leo groaned again, then turned and placed a plate and silverware in front of me before he grabbing the pot of coffee and pouring me a cup.

"I could get use to this," I teased.

He looked at me with admiration that I’d never noticed before. "I could too, Laura, I definitely could."

We managed some small talk while we ate. I took the time to admire his handsome profile and muscular chest and shoulders. Leo really was the most handsome man I’d ever seen. Memories of the night before brought a flush to my cheeks. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to make it through breakfast without wanting to—well scratch that because Ididwant to, but I made it through breakfast without ripping his clothes off and having a repeat of last night.

Chapter Fourteen

Laura

Wemadethethirty-minutedrive to Andover. I’d read that Sergeant Greg Holston had accepted a position with the Andover Police Department as Detective Sergeant. Greg used to be over narcotics when he worked under the chief. Whatever had happened that led to his resignation I felt could hold answers about Mr. Harvey and Chief Wilkins’ relationship.

"Thank you. You can wait here while I go talk to Holston,” I confidently told Leo as I gathered my bag.

"I don’t think so. I’m coming in with you," Leo barked with determination.

"It's alright, I can handle this." I quickly scurried out of the car, then turned and looked at Leo through the open window. "I am journalist, I am used to speaking to people I don't know." I smirked, knowing good and damn well that I didn't have any experience with potentially high-profile interviews.

"I have no doubt," Leo glared back at me, "but we don’t know how involved this guy is in whatever’s going on.”

I looked around pointedly at our surroundings. “We’re at a police station, Leo. I don’t think there’s a safer place for me to talk to the man.”

Leo rolled his eyes at me but seemed to relax. “Fine, but I want you to call me and stay on the line the entire time you’re in there so I can hear what’s happening. You can put it in your pocket or something. I’ll record the conversation on my end.”

I nodded with a mix of frustration and gratitude and did as he asked before making my way towards the front of the building. There was a light breeze today, it brushed across my face and through my hair as I walked toward the glass doors. For the first time, I felt a tinge of nervousness. My stomach knotted up, and a lump formed in my throat that I was sure would make my voice raspy if I tried to speak.

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